Government targets provision of 60 per cent potable water

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - The Government on Wednesday set a target of 60 per cent provision of potable water, drilling of 1,474 new boreholes and the rehabilitation of 225 boreholes in rural communities during the 2010 fiscal year.

In addition, government would drill 1,093 hand dug wells, construct 34 small town pipe systems and 134 small community pipe systems, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning announced in Parliament when presenting the 2010 Budget.

He said construction of some major water supply systems in the country would start next year.

Dr Duffuor said these would include key urban water projects, Kpong Water Expansion II; Abesim Water Project; Koforidua Water Project; Bolgatanga Water Project; Wa Water Project and Damango Water Project. "Work on the Berekum water supply and Winneba water distribution network would also continue," he said.

The Finance Minister said the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government was also desirous to implement the Integrated Odaw Basin Development Project and relocate commercial and industrial activities from the KLERP area to Adjen Kotoku.

Dr Duffuor said in 2010, government would also construct some storm water drainage and sanitation systems in all the regional capitals to improve sanitation and ensure sustainable environment.